How to Make a Box Out of Wood

Written by kayar sprang

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A box made out of wood makes a sturdy storage container for a number of items. You may choose to make a small box to store pens, pencils and doodads. Or, you can make a medium-sized box to store photographs. You can also build a large box to put firewood in for the winter. The possibilities are nearly endless. It basically takes a few tools and some wood to make a handy box.

Skill level:

Easy

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Things you need

Safety goggles

Measuring tape

Pencil and paper

Wood

Wood screws

Power drill

Table saw

2 hinges with screws

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Instructions

1

Use the measuring tape to determine the dimensions of your wood box. Record the height, width and length you desire.

2

Measure and mark the wood for the bottom of the box. It will be the size of your length and width dimensions. Cut out the bottom piece with a table saw. Set aside the bottom.

3

Measure and mark the two end pieces. They will be the height of your wood box. Double the thickness of the wood and add that to the width measurement. Cut out each piece with a table saw. Set aside these pieces.

4

Measure and mark the two side pieces for your wood box. The sides will be the same length of the bottom. They will be the height of the box. Cut out these pieces with a table saw.

5

Place the bottom of the wood box on a flat work surface. Place an end piece up against the end of the bottom. Center the piece and screw it securely onto the bottom. Repeat this step with the other end piece.

6

Place a side piece -- with the width side facing you -- in between the edges of the end pieces. Make sure the piece is lined up with the bottom. Check to make sure the box is square before you screw it into place. Measure the box from the far left corner of the top to the right bottom corner. Measure the far right corner to the bottom left corner. The measurements should match. Place screws in the middle of the edges of the ends to attach the side piece. Repeat this step to add the other side to the wood box.

7

Measure the width and length of the top of the box. Measure and mark a piece of wood for this piece. Cut it out with the table saw. Lay the top on the wood box so it's lined up perfectly with the body of the box. Because you previously measured the box from corner-to-corner to make sure it's square, the lid should fit fine.

8

Secure the hinges to the top of the box and the wood body. Place the hinges on the back of the top so one side is on the top. The other side should hang over the edge onto the body. Align the hinges so they're the same width from the edges of the sides. Screw them into place.

You can also place the hinges on the inside of the box in the same manner. The pin -- the middle, movable part of the hinge -- will stick outside the wood box.

Tips and warnings

Sheets of plywood are easy to use. They are available in different thicknesses, depending on the sturdiness of the box. The most common thicknesses are 1/4-, 1/2- and 3/4-inch.

Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying wood chips and debris when you run the table saw.